We naturally make collagen! Below are some factors that affect our collagen production.
Age
After the age of 25 we start producing less and less collagen naturally 1 2.
Stress
We require adequate amounts of vitamin C to produce and store collagen – stress actually depletes vitamin C levels in our bodies and can effect collagen production and storage 1 3.
Smoking
Chemicals in cigarettes damage collagen (and elastin in the skin), additionally, nicotine narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin which deprives skin of nutrients and oxygen
Sunlight
The UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight encourage collagen to break down more readily.
Sugar
Consuming too much sugar can make collagen dry, brittle, and weak. A diet high in sugar will increase the rate of glycation (this is where blood sugars attach to proteins and form new molecules called AGEs (advanced glycation end products))
To manage self induced collagen decline: Limit exposure to UV, don’t smoke, moderate your sugar intake.
Collagen supplements give your body the building blocks it needs to make more collagen – which keeps your skin younger & smoother, while keeping your joints flexible with age.
1 https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Collagen.aspx